I
was impressed with this debut novel from Weir. It offers a
penetrating look at a glitzy pastor and his family featured on a
popular TV reality show. They look all put together in front of the
cameras but there are devastating secrets being hidden. Being a
Christian, I was concerned how Weir would handle this topic. I think
she did a fine job and I appreciate how she handled all the issues.
Essie,
the youngest in the pastor's family, is pregnant at seventeen.
Similar to what I remember as a teen, no Christian family would want
such news to be made public so a quick marriage is arranged. We know
that something about the circumstances are odd because Essie does not
have a boyfriend. She does have a future husband picked out. And that
is only part of her plan.
The
novel progresses through the personal viewpoints of three characters:
Essie, Roarke, Essie's soon to be husband, and Libby, a television
reporter Essie trusts. I had to remind myself at times from which viewpoint the action was being seen. But generally that technique
worked out well. Libby's viewpoint was a good addition as she had
lived through experiences that gave her insight into Essie's problem.
I
do recommend this novel to readers who appreciate a plot that rips
the covering off of family secrets. I like Weir's writing style and
will be looking for more from her.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Meghan
MacLean Weir was raised in the rectory of her father's church in
Southbridge, Massachusetts, and later moved with her family to
Buffalo, New York. Her memoir, Between Expectations: Lessons from a
Pediatric Residency, chronicles her years in training at Boston
Medical Center and Boston Children's Hospital. She continues to live
and work as a physician in the Boston area. This is her first novel. Photo by Michael Lionstar.
Knopf,
336 pages. This novel releases June 12.
I
received a complimentary advanced digital copy of this book from the
publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
#PRHpartner
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